Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) is setting an ambitious goal to support more than 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2030 through the launch of initiatives designed to develop an integrated entrepreneurial environment in Sharjah. Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and guided by the directives of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sheraa aims to empower youth and entrepreneurship as key pillars of the emirate’s future.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheraa’s efforts are aligned with the ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This campaign aims to establish the UAE as a global hub for entrepreneurship by supporting 10,000 Emirati entrepreneurs and creating 30,000 job opportunities. Since its inception, Sheraa has supported over 450 startups, generating revenues over US$370 million and attracting nearly US$300 million in capital.
Sarah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Sheraa, emphasizes the importance of building a knowledge-based economy by empowering people to transform their ideas into sustainable projects. Sheraa’s initiatives support entrepreneurs from idea development to business expansion, creating an ecosystem that equips founders with the tools and expertise needed for competitive ventures.
Sheraa’s programmes include the Sharjah Startup Studio, an integrated accelerator offering specialised consulting, funding, and digital tools worth over AED3 million. Participants undergo intensive training that combines practical experience with mentorship and investor engagement to develop sustainable growth strategies.
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, organized by Sheraa, is the largest platform in the region for entrepreneurs, attracting over 44,000 visitors since 2017. It serves as a forum for dialogue, learning, and inspiration, showcasing the latest trends in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The “Sharjah Gateway Challenge” initiative seeks innovative solutions to challenges in key sectors while enhancing integration between startups and Sharjah’s priority industries. Additionally, the Sharjah Impact Makers Fellowship focuses on empowering female leaders and entrepreneurs.
Sheraa’s ‘Entrepreneurship Dojo’ programme supports young entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into viable projects. Over the past three years, it has supported over 200 students from 21 universities across the UAE.
Finally, the Sheraa Investment Marina provides startups with direct access to investors, accelerating growth and fostering investment opportunities. Through its comprehensive suite of programmes, Sheraa remains a key contributor to the future of entrepreneurship in the UAE.